A very effective way to renew my energy and positive outlook is to get outside no matter the weather no matter the activity. The longer I am outside the better I feel. The spring through fall I’m an avid gardener and year round enjoy the local parks and trails. My husband I give back to the parks and trails that provide us with so much beauty and perspective by picking up trash. It’s a small act but has a huge impact.

Gardening is a creative endeavor that connects me to the earth and requires both short and long term planning. The exact long term results of the work is unknown, the soil or sun conditions may not be right for some plant material, but for others it is perfect. It is a trial and error endeavor; not everything succeeds, there are surprises and disappointments but I always find joy in this ambiguity. The gardening process is an opportunity for life long learning and the satisfaction of working to create a more beautiful and healthy tomorrow is incredibly rewarding.

Gardening is a metaphor for all life endeavors.

I joined the Twin Cities North Chamber because I have a personal and professional interest in a strong and thriving business community in the Twin Cities North metro area. I live in Shoreview and my company depends on strong business partnerships in the Twin Cities North metro area. Being a member of the Chamber feeds my desire to create a better, stronger and diverse business community that supports an interconnected web of happy, employed residents, employees and business owners in my community.

Personal engagement in making our outdoor areas and local businesses more vibrant goes hand in hand with making the community stronger for everyone. We do not always know what the results of our work will be. If our intention is pure it will be a long term net gain.

I encourage everyone to investigate joining the Chamber of Commerce that supports your home community. It is a wonderful way to plant seeds, nurture new growth and create a more beautiful and hopeful tomorrow.